TV
An elephant calf died on Wednesday morning while receiving medical treatment at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This unfortunate event comes shortly after the death of a white tiger cub at the same zoo.
The young elephant, estimated to be five to six years old, was rescued from the Karanjia forests for treatment after it fell into a morum quarry, sustaining spinal cord injuries that left it unable to bear weight on its hind limbs and caused paralysis in its hindquarters.
Upon arrival at Nandankanan, the zoo's veterinarians, along with experts from the Centre for Wildlife Health (CWH), conducted an examination, including blood tests and X-rays. The diagnosis revealed a lumbar vertebral disc dislocation or compression, leading to hindquarter paralysis.
Also Read: Tiger cub dies nearly two and a half months after birth at Nandankanan
Although the elephant consumed grasses, tree leaves, and banana plants, it was unable to pass stool independently, necessitating manual removal of fecal boluses at regular intervals. Despite the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team and experts, the elephant's condition did not improve, and it died this morning.
Worth mentioning, a two-month-old white female tiger cub had died in a similar manner in Nandankanan. The cub had fever and despite intensive care, including IV fluids, plasma expanders, antibiotics, antacids and anticonvulsants, it failed to survive.
According to sources, the cub was born to white tigress Rupa and melanistic tiger Krishna. With its death, the tiger population at the park went down to 27 (14 males, 10 females and 3 cubs whose sex is yet to be ascertained).
Deaths in the Zoo Raise Concerns:
This incident has raised serious concerns about the challenges of conservation and healthcare in zoos across India. The back-to-back losses have sparked discussions on the efficacy of wildlife care protocols and resource allocations at the facility.
Animal experts have called for a reassessment of the broader conservation strategies implemented by zoos, urging improved measures to prevent such tragic occurrences in future.
Nandankanan Zoo, known for its wildlife preservation initiatives, seems to be currently facing challenges in ensuring the well-being of its animal residents.
